Bovine Newsletter

BOVI-BOND ADHESIVE

The original hoof block adhesive on the market

Vettec was the first to develop a hoof block adhesive for cattle and is known worldwide as the leading brand on the market. The fast-setting urethane adhesive is an advanced product for bonding wooden, rubber and PU blocks to cattle hooves. The adhesive formula is designed for use on all types of hooves (thin soles, overgrown, etc.). Professional hoof trimmers use Bovi-Bond as part of a treatment plan or as a preventive measure.

Accelerated healing

Blocking is a helpful treatment for keeping an injured claw off the ground in order to allow it to heal properly.

Save time and money

The 210cc cartridge is the standard cartridge and contains 30% more material than previous models. This means you get more for your money.

Flexibility

The adhesive has a certain flexibility after setting. This prevents it from cracking during the treatment period and makes walking more comfortable for the cow.

Set-friendly for cows

The reaction speed of the two Bovi-Bond components is gradual. This prevents the product from becoming too hot during application, making it more comfortable for the cow.

Keeping milk production up

When the injured claw is lifted off the ground, the cow feels more comfortable, which keeps milk production up and business running smoothly.

Glue blocks in just seconds

The application is strong and sets quickly. BoviBond takes 30 seconds to set and can be loadbearing within 2 to 3 minutes.

WEIGHT PRESSURE vs

What Does It Mean For Bovine Hoof Trimming?

12.5 12.5

Written By: William Davy

Hoof trimming methods come and go in the relatively small world of bovine hoof care, but many of them trace their origins back to a single source. Toussaint Raven, a Dutch veterinarian associated with the University of Utrecht, is widely regarded as the father of modern bovine hoof trimming. His 1977 manual “Klauwverzorging bij het Rund” (later translated into English as Cattle Footcare and Claw Trimming) became the foundation for several trimming techniques still used today.

In his work, Toussaint Raven outlined a clear sequence of trimming steps, yet he remained intentionally vague about the precise dimensions an “ideal” claw should have. He opens his book with a now-famous statement: “Hoof trimming can’t be measured; it has to be seen.” For example, he describes the correct toe length only as being somewhere between too long and too short, without providing fixed reference values other than a “good” 7cm for an adult friesian cow.

It is important to recognise that the cows included in his research were predominantly Dutch Friesian Holsteins kept on pasture or in tie-stall systems, which is different that the modern high yielding Holstein Friesian cow.

One of Toussaint Raven’s major contributions was his research evaluating the effect of trimming by measuring weight distribution under each hind claw. His results suggested that reducing the height difference between the inner and outer claws helps shift the load from an uneven 30/70 distribution in overgrown claws to an almost 50/50 balance after trimming. Raven therefore concluded that equalising weight between the claws of the hind limb was a desirable outcome of proper hoof trimming.

1

Drawing depicting Toussaint Raven's initial concept of equal weight distribution over hind claws

INSIGHT NEW on weight vs pressure

Toussaint Raven’s weight-based research was groundbreaking for its time, but several important limitations must be considered when interpreting his conclusions. Scales measure weight, which is simply the force of gravity acting on an object’s mass. What scales cannot measure is the surface area over which that force is distributed. In hoof health, this distinction is critical: lesions such as sole bruising, sole ulcers, and white line defects are far more closely linked to pressure (force per specific unit area) than to weight alone.

Figure 2

ClawCare pressure research setup where cow is positioned with both back feet on the pressure mat.

This is where modern technologies such as pressure mats and force plates have provided new insights into cattle biomechanics and the effects of hoof trimming. Using piezoresistive sensors, researchers were able for the first time to quantify the contact area between the claw and the standing surface. Pressure mats visually highlight hotspots under the claw while force plates measure ground reaction forces generated beneath each claw. Research by Van der Tol in the early 2000s showed that trimming according to the Dutch Five-Step Method was far less successful in equalising forces between the hind claws than originally thought. After trimming, only about 10% of force shifted from the outer claw to the inner claw, leaving the outer claw still carrying roughly 70% of the load, with the inner claw taking 30%. Trimming did, however, significantly increase the contact surface area of the hind claws from 27.5 cm² to 40.0 cm² (a 45% increase). This relatively small change in force distribution combined with a large increase in contact area results in approximately a 30% reduction in average pressure after trimming.

3

Example of a pressure pattern with a pressure hotspot on weight bearing wall of inside claws before hoof trimming.

Figure 4

Example of a pressure pattern where pressure is more evenly dispersed along the weight bearing wall after hoof trimming.

Based on these findings, Van der Tol challenged Raven’s original rhetoric. He proposed that the primary goal of hoof trimming should not be to equalise weight or force between the claws. Instead, trimming should aim to ensure that the strongest, best-supported regions of the claw are exposed to the highest pressures by carefully adjusting the shape of the sole, which forms the primary weight-bearing surface.

SUPERIOR Is there a

HOOF TRIMMING method?

It is difficult to label any current trimming technique as the “best” method, largely because most modern approaches still originate from Toussaint Raven’s foundational work. More recent techniques, such as Karl Burgi’s Dairyland Method and Aaron LaVoy’s Balance Method have certainly added new perspectives, yet they continue to rely on the same fundamental principles. The Dairyland Method emphasises achieving a steeper hoof angle (around 52°) and applying a large, deep model to the risk claw (the inner claw on front feet and the outer claw on hind feet). In contrast, the Balance Method focuses on equalising sole horn thickness within each claw and incorporates claw rotation such as corkscrew claws into the trimming plan. Ultimately, sole horn thickness always remains the most limiting factor in hoof trimming. In practice, today’s hoof trimmers benefit most from having multiple techniques in their trimming toolkit. This versatility allows them to adapt their approach to the individual cow, the specific claw shape, breed characteristics, and the production environment. In reality, many experienced trimmers already do this instinctively and have refined their personal trimming style based on the needs of the animals they routinely see.

Interestingly, Toussaint Raven came to several conclusion almost sixty years ago which still stand today. In 1966, he concluded that (Figure 5):

“ “a. Apart from the “sole-ulcer”, “fissures in the bulb of the sole” (chronic foot rot) play an important role;

b. The housing period is an important causal factor;

c. Regular mass foot care does not prevent foot diseases. It does prevent however serious forms of these diseases coupled with prolonged lameness, provided this care mainly takes place during the housing period;

d. Control of foot lameness in cattle requires attention of and co-operation between stockowner, cattle-chiropodist and veterinary surgeon. At the present state of our knowledge, truly preventive measures cannot be considered.

Figure 5

Conclusion from Lameness in cattle and foot care article by Toussaint Raven from 1966

These conclusions highlight how limited preventive options were at that time.

Fortunately, as of 2025, the situation is very different. Numerous preventive measures such as better housing design, enhanced cow comfort and footbathing protocols have been established both in practice and through peer-reviewed research. Together, these advances allow trimmers not only to manage lameness but to take steps in the right direction towards prevention of claw disorders.

FROM THE WEST COAST OF SOUTH AFRICA to the frozen tundra of Minnesota USA

Chris

Viljoen

- Sound Step Hoof Care

July 2005 was my first day as a hooftrimming apprentice at Trim Rite Hoof Care in sunny Cape Town, South Africa. At the time, I was in my first year of boarding school and would come home on weekends to spend time on the dairy farm where we lived and where my dad worked as the farm manager.

I remember stopping by the parlor to see my dad, and he mentioned that the hoof trimmers were there that day. I went over to have a look, sitting on the sidelines as the guys were trimming. Not long after, Sam (the owner of Trim Rite) said, “Go grab your boots and some overalls, and load cows for us.” I ran home, grabbed my gear, and that’s exactly what I did.

Throughout my high school years, I helped Sam and his employees every school holiday, and then worked for Trim Rite for a full year after finishing school. It was during that time that I decided to come to the U.S. to work for a year on custom harvesting equipment and then complete my hoof-trimming certification before heading back to South Africa.

Those plans changed when I met my beautiful wife at the county fair, where she was showing cattle. Fast forward three years — we got married and moved to western Iowa, where I worked for a hoof-trimming outfit running a fourth chute. I did that for two years before we decided to

move closer to my wife’s family near Lanesboro, Minnesota.

I wanted to continue trimming, so in January 2016 we bought a turnkey business from a trimmer who was ready to retire. Since taking over, the business has changed quite a bit from where it started. The client list grew rapidly, and the environments we trimmed in varied constantly — from one extreme to the next — living here in the Midwest.

I started out on an Appleton steel chute in 2016 that had a self-catch headgate fully loaded with remote control and synchronized functions. I always had frustrations with that headgate, as cows

would put their heads everywhere but the center. In 2019, I ordered an Appleton Ultra chute with a Texasstyle headgate, and that made a big difference in loading cows and improving overall cow flow.

I trimmed with that unit for five years, and it was a good chute — but I was looking for something more. I wanted a piece of equipment with fewer moving parts, universal components, and a simple, efficient setup that could handle all kinds of weather conditions.

In the Midwest, we face brutally cold weather — from the mid-20s°F to -40°F. The Appleton would be frozen by the time I reached the farm, covered in

and high maintenance.

I had spent time with several trimmers who used enclosed hoof-trimming trailers, and I knew that if I could ever afford it, I’d make the switch. In April 2024, I took delivery of a brand-new custom-built aluminum trailer from Featherlite in Cresco, Iowa. The next day, I drove three hours to Valley View Welding in Colby, Wisconsin, where the real work began.

Lester Martin and his crew spent hours creating 3D drawings of the trailer and stationary chute setup. I spent months planning every detail to make it efficient, safe, and comfortable.

The guys in the shop were great to work with — if I had an idea, they made it happen.

I took delivery of the completed trailer in November 2024, and I’ve been truly grateful and happy with how it turned out. Maintenance has been minimal — I’ve only replaced ropes, and they lasted 10 months! There are many benefits to this enclosed system. Setup time dropped from 45–60 minutes to about 25 minutes most days.

The trailer has a fold-out staging lane on the side that holds three cows and a manure chute in the floor so waste drops straight through — no scooping required.

HAPPY TRIMMING, AND STAY SAFE!

In the winter, I can close all the doors and run a heater inside to keep warm and ensure the equipment runs smoothly. At the end of the day, it’s nice having the same controlled environment no matter where I set up — and my equipment stays out of the elements.

I don’t think I’d make many changes to the trailer now, as we included nearly everything we needed. The one addition I’m currently designing is a hydraulic door inside the staging lane, so I can open and close it using the remote control.

In my area, I primarily trim Holsteins, with a fair number of Brown Swiss and

a few Jersey herds. About 50–60% of my farms trim three times per lactation, while others follow a two-time schedule. On my largest farms, we trim every two weeks; others are on a 4–6 week rotation, and we still do plenty of whole-herd trims.

The most common hoof issues I see are white line lesions, hemorrhaging, and occasional cases of digital dermatitis. Most of my farms follow a strict footbath program to ensure the best results. I’d much rather focus on maintenance than blocking or wrapping feet all day.

When I take on a new farm, I make it clear that success is a team effort.

I’m willing to put in the work to get results — but they need to do the same. If a farm isn’t ready to commit to a proper program, I move on. It’s not that I don’t want to help, but it’s better for everyone — the cows, the trimmer, and the dairy producer — when we all work efficiently and consistently. At the end of the day, if you’re going to do something, you might as well do it right and give 110%.

STROMSHOLM LTD

HOOFCARE AND SOUNDNESS

EST 1972

Since 1972, Stromsholm has continued to grow to become the UK’s largest farriery supply company. With our headquarters in Milton Keynes, we also have our own stores in Lambourn and Newmarket, serving the racing industry in both Flat and National Hunt disciplines.

In recent years, highly usable glue-on horseshoes have been developed. Once again, Stromsholm has played a key role in educating and training farriers and is now the largest supplier of glue-on horseshoes in the UK.

Today, as the UK distributor for Vettec and Diamond, we are also supplying the bovine hoof care industry with Vettec Bovi-Bond, which remains the preferred adhesive worldwide.

For UK cattle trimmers, all our products are available through our established dealer network. Of equal importance are the many new and improved products that Vettec, Diamond, and other leading brands are currently developing to enhance tools and equipment, which will become available to cattle trimmers worldwide in the coming months and years.

Stromsholm also works extremely closely with Gibbins of Suffolk. Gibbins manufactures some of the finest farriers’ aprons available and is using this knowledge and expertise to produce high-quality cattle trimmers’ aprons. They also offer a full range of embroidery, printing, and laser engraving, enabling cattle trimmers to create bespoke aprons and clothing for a smart, practical, and professional appearance.

For more information about our products, please visit the Bovine section of our Hoof Care and Soundness webshop.

STARTS HERE

BACK IN STOCK

STARTER KIT

Includes: Bovi-Bond 210cc (2) , 210cc Tips (24) , Diamond Double Dispenser 210cc (1) , Wood Hoof Blocks: XS-11cm (2) , M-13cm (2) , Rubber Hoof Blocks: S (2) , M (6) , L (6) , Set of 2 Narrow Hoof Knife Left (1) , Diamond Flex Hoof Green Wrap (12 rolls) , Bovi-Bond Claw Check (1)

to House of Knives

Your go-to showcase for the full range of specialist knives available from Stromsholm. In this section, we highlight the trusted, high-performance blades used by farriers and hoof-care professionals across the industry. From precision hoof knives to durable loop blades and essential sharpening tools, this is your quick guide to the cuttingedge kit that keeps your work sharp, safe and efficient.

DIAMOND KNIVES

This Diamond knife is designed with an ergonomically designed handle made of advanced antibacterial plastic. This hoof knife lies very comfortably in the hand and is very easy to clean and disinfect. Due to the antibacterial nature of the plastic, you also work neatly while trimming. The blade of this hoof knife has the well-known high-quality sharpness of Diamond knives.

Available in wide, narrow and double-edge

Veterinarian Pack

2 Pcs - Loop knife & Edged Abscess knife

• Long-term sharp blade

• Antibacterial plastic handle

• Easy to inject

• Ergonomically designed handle

• Designed for the professional farrier

Hoof Knife - Wide

Left / Right - 1 Pcs

Combination of a narrow, double edged abscess knife and a small loop knife. Packaged in a reusable tin. Store the tools after cleaning /disinfecting to protect them for future use.

• Combination of a narrow, double edged abscess knife and a small loop knife.

• Small loop knife with long reach. perfect for veterinarians and professional farriers.

• The specially designed hand grip made from advanced anti-bacterial plastic.

• Easy to clean and disinfect.

• Perfect for veterinarians and professional farriers.

• Ideal for laminae and hoof wall resection.

DIAMOND KNIVES

Hoof Knife - Narrow

Left / Right - 1 Pcs

Hoof Knife - Double Edged

1 Pcs

Hoof Knife - Drop Blade

Left / Right - 1 Pcs

Hoof Knife - Wide

Left / Right - 1 Pcs

VETTEC KNIVES

Hoof Knife - Narrow

Left / Right - 2 Pcs

Features

• Long-lasting razor-sharp narrow blade

• Hard steel blade

• Antibacterial handle

• Ergonomic design

• Blade base is shortened to move easier around the claw

• Build-in magnets on both sides of the handle

Hoof Knife - Double Edged

2 Pcs

Features

• More curved blade than the standard hoof knife

• Hard steel blade

• Antibacterial handle

• Ergonomic design

Hoof Knife - Narrow Curved

Left / Right - 2 Pcs

Features

• Long-lasting razor-sharp narrow blade

• Hard steel blade

• Antibacterial handle

• Ergonomic design

• Blade base is shortened to move easier around the claw

• Build-in magnets on both sides of the handle

Hoof Knife - Double Edged Curved

2 Pcs

Features

• More curved blade than the standard hoof knife

• Hard steel blade

• Antibacterial handle

• Ergonomic design

• Shorter blade base

• 2 magnets

JIM BLURTON KNIVES

Knife - Straight Blade

Hoof Knife - Abscess Loop

Hoof Knife - Abscess Loop

1 Pcs

Hoof Knife - Loop Blade

1 Pcs

KNIFE SHARPENERS

Ergonomically shaped, foldable design, for deburring and sharpening all your tools

- and more! Use for straight and curved hoof knives, loop knives and nippers.

Features

• Tapered sharpening rod for curved blades

• Removable sharpening blades for straight blades

• Two ceramic slots for deburring and sharpening straight blades

• Leather pad, for polishing and razor-sharp finish

• Ergonomically shaped, foldable design

• Even includes a bottle opener!

Dick Knife Sharpener

The thin diamond coated sharpening stick facilitates the re sharpening of the curve in a convenient way and guarantees high durability. The cutting edge can also be re sharpened without difficulty. The diamond coating leads to fast and optimum results. This sharpening tool is naturally also suitable for other cutting tools.

PB Knife Sharpener

The PB Edger is a superb two-ended knife sharpener. Its tungsten tip has four working sides which increases the life of the tool fourfold. The tip is narrow enough to get inside the loop of even an abscess loop knife. The tool can be reversed in its holder to utilise the diamond honing tool to remove any burrs from the back of the blade, to give an even sharper finish.

The 3rd Millennium knife sharpener is diamond coated – great for maintaining a sharp edge on your knife and offers an ideal shape to fine-sharpen both loop knives and abscess farrier knives. Available in fine (yellow) and medium (blue) grits.

SHARPENER KIT

Knife Sharpening Kit

Includes:

• 6” Power unit

• 6” Uni wheel Pre-Step

• 6” Sisal wheel & Grey Soap Step 1

• 6” Cloth wheel & White Soap Step 2

• 6” Calico wheel & Green Soap Step 3

• Diamond Cone

• Pair of ½” Spiral Cones, Left & Right

Clarke 8" Bench Grinder with Complete Tool Maintenance Kit

Includes:

• Grey, Green, White & Sateen Compound

• Coloured Cloth & Calico Mop

• 1/2” (1 section) Sisal Wheel

• Pre-Sateened Wheel

• Spriral Tapers (both left hand and right hand)

• Set of cones (Pink, Ruby and Honing)

• Clarke 8” Bench Grinder (Complete Tool Maintenance Kit and Complete Tool Maintenance Kit

- PLUS 2 Secton Sisal products only)

APRONS

Bovi-Bond Apron

The Vettec Bovi-Bond apron is specially designed for claw trimmers and dairy farmers to work comfortably and clean. The PVC apron protects clothing and has handy pockets to safely store knives while working. In addition, the design is such that the V-neck and flexible PVC ensure ease of movement while working. Easy to clean after use.

Bovi-Bond Apron with legs

Features

• Made of durable flexible PVC

• V-neck for ease of movement

• Build-in blade pockets with cleaning ring

• Available with and without leg buckles

• Easy and quick to clean

• Adjustable straps and double stitched seams

ANKA CORE

ANKA CORE

ANKA CORE

BOVI-BOND BLOCKS

Hoof Block Rubber - Thin

Small - 12cm

Hoof Block Wood Wedge

Xsmall - 11cm, Small - 12cm, Medium - 13cm,

Large - 14cm & XLarge - 15cm

Hoof Block Bio

11cm / 13cm

Hoof Block Rubber - Standard

Small - 12cm, Medium - 13cm, Large - 14cm

Block Wood Wedge

HOOF WRAPS

Vettec Orange Flex Hoof Wrap

1 Roll / 1 Box (12 Rolls)

Vettec Hoof wrap offers a high-quality answer for those looking for a good self-adhesive bandage. Its flexible action makes it very easy to bandage difficult contours. The material is composed in such a way that the hoof can continue to breathe and thus heal faster. The bandage is strong and very easy to use due to its self-adhesive nature. Thanks to minimal moisture absorption, you maintain a clean environment during treatment and can use the bandage for support and compression.

Diamond Flex Hoof Wrap

1 Roll / 1 Box (12 Rolls)

Vettec Biodegradable Flex Hoof Wrap

1 Roll / 1 Box (12 Rolls)

This biodegradable hoof wrap is self-adhesive and easy to apply. Thanks to its flexibility, you can easily bandage more difficult contours. The wrap is strong and very easy to use thanks to its self-adhesive character. The bandage can easily be torn to size. The white hoof bandage has no harmful paints and is made of 1% biodegradable material. So you are not only betting on high-quality protection, but also working towards a greener future. In addition, the material is formulated to allow the hoof to breathe and thus heal faster.

Hoof Wrap Contouring Plastic/Cling

10cm X 125m

DISPENSERS + TIPS

(High Efficiency)

12 Pcs

The Vettec High Efficiency Mixing Tips are the solution for more efficient work with two-component adhesives. These shorter mixing tips deliver the same superior performance as the standard version, thanks to the 24-fold mixing of the components within the tip. The compact design reduces product losses by up to 30%, which not only saves costs but is also more sustainable.

These shorter mixing tips are designed to even more efficiently mix the two components in the Vettec cartridges. These high efficiency mixing tips ensure consistent and precise mixing of the adhesive to ensure optimal performance. Ensure proper processing temperature of the material for good results. The tips fit perfectly on standard 210-220 cc cartridges and are easy to apply and remove. It allows you to work accurately and prevents excess product loss. With the Vettec High Efficiency Mixing Tips, you get more out of your work and your material. Perfect for those who want to work professionally and sustainably.

(Standard)

12 Pcs

Vettec Standard Mixing Tips provide reliable and consistent mixing for two-component adhesives. Designed to fit standard 210–220 cc cartridges, they ensure thorough blending for optimal performance. Easy to attach and remove, these tips allow for accurate dispensing and professional results when used at the correct processing temperature.

DIAMOND NIPPERS

CONSUMABLES

Stromsholm Equine Hoof Degreaser

500ML

The Stromsholm Equine Hoof Degreaser is designed to effectively clean and prepare cattle hooves prior to the application of hoof blocks, adhesives or treatment products. It removes grease, slurry residue, moisture and other contaminants from the claw surface, helping to ensure optimal bonding and reliable results.

Fast acting and easy to apply, this degreaser creates the ideal surface for improved adhesion of hoof blocks and glues, making it an essential preparation step for professional cattle hoof trimmers and veterinary use. Suitable for routine use, it leaves the hoof clean, dry and ready for treatment.

Disposable Latex Powdered Gloves

Size: Med / Large & XL

Clear disposable gloves. Suitable for right and left-hand use. Use once and throw away.

Ansell Hyflex Gloves

Size: 8 & 9

Nitrile foam gloves for versatile use and wearability. Combines comfort and dexterity for enhanced protection.

Easycare Hooflox Hoof & Cleaner

600ML

EasyCare HoofLox Hoof and Cleaner is a powerful yet gentle solution formulated to prepare the hoof surface for maximum adhesive performance. By removing dirt, oil, and debris, it creates the ideal bonding environment for all HoofLox adhesives, helping to ensure strong, reliable, and long-lasting application.

Easy to apply and fast-drying, this cleaner improves efficiency during shoeing and repair work while reducing the risk of adhesive failure. An essential step for professional farriers looking to achieve the best possible results with every application.

Tongue Depressors

100 Pcs

Standard, economy grade non-sterile tongue depressor. These flat stir sticks can be used for stirring and mixing glues, chemicals and other industrial liquids. Sticks are economical grade with a flat tip.

Skytec Ohio Gloves

Size: 7, 8, 9 & 10

A durable glove with excellent flexibility & tactile touch. Anatomically designed for comfort, dexterity & fit. Resistant to abrasion and tearing.